The northern mountainous provinces of Dien Bien, Hoa Binh and Lang Son received 100mm, 120mm and 110mm of rain, respectively, on August 29 and 30.

It has been forecast that heavy rain, strong waves and winds will hit the island districts of Bach Long Vi, Co To, Van Don and Cat Hai, with the winds having a force level of seven to eight.

Local residents in Dien Bien Province suffered heavy damage yesterday after heavy rain caused the water levels of the province's rivers to rise and led to flooding.

Dozens of fish farms were severely affected after floods hit Thanh Luong District during the night. The damage was estimated to be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Several local houses were hit by the floods. The province's infrastructure such as roads and bridges also suffered heavy damage. Local residents said it was the heaviest downpour in the province in the last 50 years.

Deputy Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Pham Van Bach said local authorities and the region's committee on natural disasters were ordered to assist residents in mitigating the adverse effects of the floods.

In a recent development, more than 8,600 families living near landslide-prone areas in Dong Thap and An Giang provinces will be shifted to safe places soon.

The People's Committee of Dong Thap Province has asked the government to give them VND1.5 trillion (US$68 million) to build more resettlement areas.

There are some 100 landslide-prone areas in Dong Thap Province spread over 60km, while An Giang Province has 48 such locations spread over 160km.

Each year, landslides destroy about 20ha of land in An Giang Province, causing damage worth VND10 billion (US$460,000). — VNS